Five Calgary-Area Communities Integrating Nature into Daily Urban Living
For urban residents accustomed to concrete jungles and towering skyscrapers, the simple pleasures of nature often feel distant and inaccessible. The gentle murmur of a flowing stream, the rhythmic lapping of water against a shoreline, the serene experience of walking through forests of aspen and pine, or the tranquility of sitting in expansive prairie grasslands frequently seem incompatible with modern, fast-paced lifestyles.
Yet, mounting research underscores the profound importance of maintaining connections to land, earth, and water. These natural bonds are not merely aesthetic preferences but essential components of human health and happiness. Scientific studies consistently demonstrate that such connections significantly enhance both mental and physical well-being while fostering a deeper sense of belonging and being truly "at home" in one's environment.
The Philosophy Behind Nature-Integrated Design
Architectural and environmental thought leader Tye Farrow articulates this concept powerfully in his influential work, Constructing Health: How the Built Environment Enhances Your Mind's Health. Farrow emphasizes that thoughtfully designed spaces actively shape our cognitive and emotional experiences, invigorating residents and expanding their horizons toward new possibilities.
Recognizing this fundamental human need, forward-thinking developers across Canada are increasingly prioritizing deep-seated connections to nature within their community designs. Calgary and its surrounding regions, blessed with abundant unspoiled landscapes ranging from lush forests and rolling grasslands to pristine river systems, have emerged as prime locations for this innovative development trend. These projects skillfully blend contemporary living with ancient wisdom about humanity's intrinsic relationship with the natural world.
Showcase Communities Redefining Urban Living
The following five communities exemplify this transformative approach, offering residents exceptional opportunities to decompress, reconnect with their surroundings, and contemplate new possibilities through intentional design.
Starling by Brookfield Residential
Starling celebrates expansive skies, abundant natural spaces, meaningful land connections, and ample room for exploration. Situated just north of Evanston and conveniently close to Stoney Trail, this 281-acre development by Brookfield Residential borders the Nose Hill watershed. The community master plan dedicates 20 acres to environmental reserves and 50 acres to park spaces, incorporating a storm pond alongside an extensive network of parks and interconnected walking trails throughout the neighborhood.
A defining characteristic of Starling is its peaceful location on Calgary's edge, offering residents uninterrupted, breathtaking views of the night sky. Dan Seibel of Brookfield Residential highlights this unique feature, noting the community's big, beautiful skies and remarkably dark, clear nights that create perfect conditions for stargazing.
Specialized design considerations minimize light pollution by avoiding high-intensity artificial lighting, further enhancing celestial viewing. The community's aesthetic draws inspiration from its namesake, the indigo-colored swallow, incorporating rich, moody tones of indigo, blue, and violet that mirror Southern Alberta's spectacular nocturnal skies.
Rangeview Springs by Genstar Development Co.
At Rangeview Springs, connections to nature, neighbors, and community form the cornerstone of the development philosophy. The 320-acre community, positioned at the entrance to Seton's Urban District in southeast Calgary, derives its name and design inspiration from natural springs. The comprehensive plan integrates nine distinct parks, all linked by greenways and tree-lined pedestrian pathways, creating a seamless blend of built and natural environments.
This thoughtful layout encourages outdoor activity, social interaction, and daily engagement with green spaces, embodying the vision of a community where nature is not an afterthought but an integral part of everyday life. The design prioritizes walkability, ecological preservation, and aesthetic harmony with the surrounding landscape.
These pioneering developments represent a significant shift in urban planning, demonstrating that modern communities can successfully integrate natural elements to enhance residents' quality of life. By prioritizing access to parks, trails, and preserved environments, Calgary-area developers are creating living spaces that promote wellness, foster social connections, and redefine what it means to thrive in an urban setting.
